Grassland openings along the Mad River are former prairies that retain the rich prairie soil and lend themselves to prairie restoration. The Mad River Trail winds through these grasslands on the eastern end of the park offering opportunities for spotting brightly colored life. Goldenrod, milkweed, and asters bloom with flowers visited by dozens of different butterflies, including Monarchs. Grassland songbirds, including meadowlarks and savannah sparrow come to eat, breed, and nest.